Madagascar declared a 15-day nationwide state of energy emergency on April 7, 2026, as severe fuel shortages linked to the conflict in the Middle East threaten to disrupt daily life, the economy and public services on the Indian Ocean island nation, Bloomberg reported on April 8, 2026.
“The decision was taken after the observation that the country is facing a deep crisis due to disruptions in energy supply across the island linked to the conflict in the Middle East,” the cabinet said in a statement. “The declaration of a state of energy emergency allows authorities to take exceptional and urgent measures to restore energy supply and ensure the continuity of public services.”
President Randrianirina signed a decree authorising the government to take emergency measures to secure fuel supplies, including requisitioning stocks. Authorities may also suspend the automatic price adjustment mechanism that currently sets the cost of petrol based on its purchase price on the international market.
Since mid-March, petroleum stations across Madagascar have faced insufficient storage capacity or temporary stock shortages. The country’s supply of refined petroleum depends heavily on imports, particularly from Oman, which lies just south of the Strait of Hormuz.
News of the emergency declaration led to panic buying at some petrol stations, with some outlets reportedly rationing how much each customer could purchase. So far, fuel prices have not increased since the crisis began, though drivers have been queuing for hours.
Madagascar-based lawyer and analyst Toki Ramilison warned that the government’s price cap could fuel black-market sales, intensifying shortages rather than easing them. “Most of Madagascar’s electricity generation depends on diesel,” Ramilison told Channel Africa. “If diesel runs out, load shedding will worsen again. It is a very difficult situation. Fuel shortages disrupt the economy and people’s lives, and there is a real risk of social tension if the crisis is not managed carefully.”
The crisis follows a turbulent period for the country. Last year, persistent power and water shortages led to youth-led protests that escalated into broader political unrest, resulting in a military takeover.
Several other African governments have responded to surging global oil prices by implementing fuel price increases, energy-saving measures or electricity rationing.